Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today the appointments of Sandra Stephenson as director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Bill Harper as assistant director of the Department of Mental Health.
Stephenson, 59, has served since 1987 as executive director of Southeast, Inc., a non-profit behavioral health organization based in Columbus.
“I have known Sandy for many years and have always admired her strong commitment to providing high quality mental health services to Ohio’s citizens,” Strickland said. “She is a strong advocate for those individuals and families coping with mental illness. I have complete confidence in her ability to be a compassionate and effective manager of the Department of Mental Health.”
Stephenson's appointment marks Strickland's last cabinet level appointment.
Harper, 52, has been the director of the Lorain County Board of Mental Health since 2002.
“Bill’s leadership in mental health work has served communities across Ohio,” Strickland said. “I believe he will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the state level.”
Sandra Stephenson, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health
As executive director at Southeast, Inc., Stephenson oversees an annual budget of $27 million, 350 staff members and several statewide locations. Under her leadership, the organization has experienced significant expansion, marked by the annual budget’s growth from $4 million in 1987 to the current $27 million.
Stephenson worked in private clinical practice for the Community Family Health Center from 1984-1990; from 1983-1987, she served as associate executive director of the Southeast Community Mental Health Center. She previously served as program director for the Columbus Area Community Mental Health Center and as mental health clinician for North Central Community Health Services.
Stephenson graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in social welfare in 1974 and a master’s degree in social work in 1975. She also received a master’s degree in public administration from Ohio State University in 1980.
”I look forward to working with Governor Strickland to assure the best support, care and treatment are available for those Ohioans who are struggling with mental illness and are working to reclaim healthy and productive lives,” Stephenson said.
Stephenson has served as a member of several boards and community organizations related to mental health and has received numerous recognitions for her efforts and the work of Southeast, Inc.
Stephenson will begin as director of the Department of Mental Health on June 4. As director, she will earn an annual salary of $126,000.
The mission of Ohio's mental health system is to establish mental health as a cornerstone of health in Ohio, and ensure that quality mental health care is available to all Ohioans at all stages of life. The Department of Mental Health’s major responsibilities are to support and monitor local systems of care, provide quality inpatient services, provide quality community services, improve mental health services to children and adolescents, improve mental health linkages to the criminal justice system and provide quality support services.
Bill Harper, Assistant Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health
Harper has served as executive director of the Lorain County Board of Mental Health since 2002.
From 1994-2002, Harper was the executive director of Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren and Clinton Counties, an alcohol, drug addition and mental health services board. He served as the executive director of the Four County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services in Archbold from 1987-1994.
Harper previously worked as an assistant professor for social work at Bowling Green State University from 1984-1994, the director of Client Services/Programs for Quadco Rehabilitation Center in Stryker, Ohio, from 1983-1987, the social work director for Cambridge Mental Health and Developmental Center from 1981-1983, and as a social worker at Lima State Hospital from 1977-1979.
“I look forward to working with mental health consumers and their families, county boards and provider networks and our state-operated behavioral health organizations to provide high quality services to adults and children in Ohio needing support, encouragement, treatment and rehabilitation to overcome mental illness,” Harper said.
Harper received a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in 1976, and master’s degrees in public administration and social work from Ohio State University in 1981.
Harper will begin as assistant director of the Department of Mental Health on June 4. As assistant director, Harper will earn an annual salary of $120,000.